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Brenda Cummings, branch manager and travel consultant for AAA Carolinas visits Zermatt, Switzerland

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Her — May 2020

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Dear Readers, I don’t know about you, but 2020 has been an interesting ride so far. When planning our summer issue of Her, I decided on a travel and recreation guide packed with everything you need to know about planning a trip, from the art of traveling alone to drive vacations and travel abroad. Well, just like a wellplanned idea, things happen, and in this case it was COVID-19.

What have these last six weeks taught me? They have taught me that a quiet weekend at home with family is the perfect recipe for relaxation, that I can open a book and go anywhere in the world I want, and that I need hugs and conversation to survive. When the world opens back up and we can get to a new normal, you know what we will all want to do? To travel, to jump in our cars and boats for trips, or to hop on a plane and see the world.

I remember when I traveled in 2014 to attend a writing and meditation retreat in France. At first, I was apprehensive about traveling alone, but I found it was liberating and exciting. I immersed myself in a new culture, learned a new language, ate new foods and learned new customs.

I remember standing alone underneath the Eiffel Tower in awe of its grandeur, and I remember the smells of fresh flowers as I strolled through the Jardin du Luxembourg gardens watching little children play with wooden boats on the water. I had fallen in love with Paris and been bitten by the travel bug.

Just last year, I enlisted the help of travel consultant Brenda Cummings with AAA Carolinas in Greenville to help me plan a two-week trip to Ireland. She ensured the trip was a success. I knew she was our Travel Her cover model. She shares with readers her travel experience and expertise in planning a perfect vacation. Let your summer adventure begin!

Christina Ruotolo

— editor

www.reflector.com/her

Meet our team Christina is editor of Her Magazine, a Hot Dish writer and a multi-media specialist for The Daily Reflector. Her other jobs and talents include being a creative writing instructor at PCC, wedding planner, and freelance writer. When not writing, you can find her baking, reading, or researching her next Christina Ruotolo bucket list travel destination.

Editor

Jasmine is a graphic designer at The Daily Reflector. She enjoys sonic slushes and spending time with her husband & two sons, Dash and Jett. Contact her at jblount@ apgenc.com.

Jasmine Blount Designer

Carla R. Cannon is an entrepreneur, bestselling author and North Carolina native whose mission is to get women unlocked, unleashed and activated into purpose from the pulpit to the marketplace! For Carla R. Cannon more information, visit Contributor her website www.

CarlaCannon.com.

Jackie Sugg is a registered dietitian at the Pitt County Health Department.

Jackie Sugg Contributor

Casey Morris is the owner of Pirate and Pixie Dust Destinations, LLC, an authorized Disney Vacation Planner agency. The agency provides free, concierge level travel planning services to any destination. Services include complete itinerary planning, price monitoring for discounts. Contact her at casey@ppddtravel.com.

Casey Morris Contributor

Contents Cover Story

4-7 A Life Well Traveled

Inside

8 Her Panel: What Are Three Essential Items In Your Travel Bag? 9 Artist Spotlight: Kristy Woodson Harvey 10 Her Health: It's Time to Clean!

11 Her Receipe: Caribbean Bean Salad

12 How to Plan The Perfect Disney Trip 14 Her Advice: Becoming comfortable with your own company

Meet Her

15 Brenda Cummings

Contact Her Christina Ruotolo | Editor | 329-9532 Craig Springer | Advertising | 329-9513 Jasmine Blount | Designer | 329-9606 Email: cruotolo@reflector.com

Her — May 2020

3

By Christina Ruotolo

Chexbres Switzerland

Kylemore Abbey Estate in Galway, Ireland

T

he word vacation is defined as “an extended period of leisure and recreation, especially one spent away from home or in traveling.” A vacation is a set of ideas and adventures that we create and cultivate. From simple weekend drives to full-fledged transcontinental tours, we seek out destinations that check off our bucket list and satisfy our souls. As Hans Christian Andersen once wrote, “To Travel is to Live.”

No matter what type of vacation you plan, many people want advice from local travel consultants to help them ensure that their trip is a success. Last year when I planned my second trip abroad, I sought the guidance of a well-educated travel planner, Brenda Cummings, branch manager and travel consultant for AAA Carolinas in Greenville's Arlington Village.

www.reflector.com/her

I left my first visit with big, fat books filled with various trips and tours. After researching them in depth, I selected a dream trip, two weeks in Ireland. When I went back to meet with Cummings, she made sure I had all the necessary paperwork completed and documents in order, and she helped me plan the details from start to finish. Educated and professional, she made all my apprehension and travel fears fly out the window, so planning was just as enjoyable as the trip.

Cummings is a seasoned traveler herself, having spent time all over the world creating lasting memories. She takes all the tips and tricks she learned on her adventures and passes them along to fellow travelers.

For the last 30 years, Cummings has helped customers plan, execute and

Her — May 2020

Matterhorn Mountain in Glacier Park, Zermatt, Switzerland.

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Amalfi Coast, Italy

create their own travel memories with trips all around the world.

Working in travel offers variety, since travel choices and options change based on the seasons. Every day offers new adventures.

“There is no real typical day. I walk in and log into my computer and then the adventure begins,” Cummings said of her work at the full-service travel agency. “We can plan road trips; cruises; (and) escorted, independent and private tours to just about any continent you would like to travel.”

Cummings' work in travel actually took off in 1986 when she began working for Piedmont Airlines. Two years later, she became a travel agent. Beginning with a trip to the Caribbean, she has gone on to visit 20 countries, including Mexico, Canada, France, Germany, Scotland, England, Austria, the Netherlands, Ireland and Switzerland.

“My favorite was Italy with all her beauty, history, great food and Italians,” she said of an adventure that included making pizza from scratch and diving into arts and culture.

Mark Twain once said, “The Creator made Italy from designs

by Michelangelo,” so it is no surprise that one of Cummings' most memorable moments was seeing the Sistine Chapel in Rome.

“I walked in and I was in awe. It moved me to tears,” she said. “To think this was painted in the 1500s and you realize just how brilliant Michelangelo was. His sculpture of David had the same affect.”

For Cummings, each destination held its own mystery, its own customs and culture. Each new vacation was an opportunity to find out more about the world. She sees these reflections as evidence that all people should travel abroad at least one time in their lives if only to see how another part of the world lives.

By choosing to enlist a travel agent when planning your next state-side or abroad vacation, Cummings said you are ensuring you are educated and your trip is planned correctly. You can’t make assumptions when traveling. You need facts to guide you through, not only to have an enjoyable vacation but a safe one as well.

“Travel agents can save you valuable time and provide you with stress free-planning,” Cummings said. “Travel agents have connections with dependable companies to help you get the most bang for your buck.”

Travel consultants are teachers of the world, offering insights and know-how on hundreds of locations. They enlighten you on the best regions of the United States to travel to for winter wonderland fun, or a colorful drive through New England during peak foliage, or the perfect summer destinations and beaches that are both family friendly and affordable. Whether you want to make your way to the base of the Grand Canyon to be captivated by the expanse before you, spend time whale watching on an Alaskan cruise, or stand mere feet from the raging waters of Niagara Falls, a travel agent can help you fill your travel log or passport with ease.

For those who haven’t ventured far from home and are looking to start your travel clock, Cummings offers this advice: “Always allow extra time for mishaps or delays. You should pack light and do not have all of your money in one place.”

Looking inside her carry-on bag, you would find she always keeps these items with her: travel documents, medicine, her phone for music and books, a change of clothes, toothbrush, gum, and a light sweater or jacket.

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Travel is not just a profession, it’s a lifestyle. It’s a calling. It’s being able to live your bucket list life every day. Even Cummings continues to dream of her next destination.

“I would love to see the Northern Lights, but can’t decide if I want to see them from Iceland or Finland in a glass igloo,” she said. “Maybe I am ready to go to Greece with all its beauty, Greek gods, and sail the Aegean Sea or take a Safari in Africa. It really does not matter, I just want to see the world with my own eyes.”

Using a travel agent opens your eyes up to the world. Vacation and trips are now opportunities, adventures, and where you can open yourself up to learning new things and immersing yourself in another culture.

“Take vacations,” Cummings said. “Go as many places as you can, You can always make money; you can’t always make memories.”

Her — May 2020

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B ZĂźrich, Switzerlan

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Her — May 2020

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What are three essential items in your travel bag?

Panel

Crystal Hildenbrand, 47, Greenville “Chapstick, a good book, and Tylenol.”

Lucia Peel, 62, Williamston “Lipstick/gloss, credit card with a ZERO balance, and sunglasses.”

Mary Elizabeth Dailey, 35, Greenville “Three must-have items for traveling would be my phone charger, sunscreen, and lipstick!”

LaVette Lang Ford, 50, Greenville “Reading materials, lip gloss, and glasses.”

Theresa McCoy, 61, Greenville “My essential items are 4-ounce bottle of water, first aid kit and a flashlight.

I never travel without them.”

Stephanie Robertson, 46, Kinston “My cell phone because I take pictures of everything, sunglasses, and my flip flops (hopefully a good pedicure occurred prior).”

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Her — May 2020

Web Photos

Jeannie Cleaton, 70, Ayden “Flashlight for safety, tissues to protect yourself from germs around you, and snacks to help on a long trip.”

Rita Boseman, 52, Bethel “Snacks, hand creme, cell phone charger.”

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Reads

Author Spotlight

Kristy Woodson Harvey

By Christina Ruotolo

I

f asked what North Carolina female writer most exemplifies and oozes Southern charm, you will probably say Kristy Woodson Harvey, an East Carolina University alumna who has been heating up the book charts since the publication of her f irst novel, “"Dear Carolina"” back in 2015. Like a refreshing glass of cold iced tea on a hot summer day, her plots pull us into the rich dynamics and complexities of families, love stories, and emotionally driven characters all set against idyllic backdrops of Southern coastal towns.

She is the bestselling author of other addictive beach reads including “Lies and Other Acts of Love,” “The Secret to Southern Charm” and “The Southern Side of Paradise.” Harvey, a N.C. native, is the winner of the Lucy Bramlette Patterson Award for Excellence in Creative Writing and a finalist for the Southern Book Prize. Her work has been optioned for film, and her books have received numerous accolades including Southern Living’s Most Anticipated Beach Reads, PopSugar’s Ultimate Summer Reading and the Southern Independent Bookseller Association’s Okra Pick.

Harvey is a Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s school of journalism and received a master’s in English with a concentration in multicultural and transnational literature from ECU. Harvey is excited to introduce Her magazine readers to her newest novel, “Feels Like Falling,” which has come out just in time to add it to your summer reading list. I asked her to tell us more about her new book, writing style and Southern favorites. Join me as we get to know her.

www.reflector.com/her

Q: What was the inspiration for your new book, “Feels Like Falling?”

A: It was one of those simple snippets that I reference below. I was at a drugstore picking up some photos, and I had to have a release signed by the photographer to get them. And I started thinking, What if someone didn’t get the release signed and the person working the counter gave her the photos anyway and she got fired because of it? That was it! I went home and started writing “Feels Like Falling,” and this story of two women at crossroads in their lives forming an unlikely friendship emerged!

Q: Once you have come up with a plot for a new novel, what comes next? How long is the process and what are your methods?

A: I actually don’t come up with the plot, usually. I generally just get a little nugget of an idea — maybe a conversation between two characters, or a situation that someone finds himself or herself in or just a topic that I’d like to explore.

And I sit down and start writing. I begin with whatever that idea is and grow a story around it in every direction. I very seldom start at the beginning and end at the end!

Q: Where do you get ideas from? (characters, plots, dialogue)?

A: To be honest, I have no idea.

I wish I did because then I could make sure it always happened at the right time! But it’s usually in the quiet moments—of which there are very few!—that I get inspired. And the characters, plots and dialogue

Her — May 2020

unfold sort of naturally when I’m sitting at the computer working on the first draft.

Q: What was the most influential book you have ever read? Why? A: “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” was the first book that made me realize that power of story to connect people from completely different worlds. It’s a lesson that I have never forgotten, and I think it influences me even now.

Q; Tell us about your time at ECU. What are some of the memories... favorite hang-outs and restaurants?

A: I went to ECU for grad school, and I did a two-year program in a year and a summer, so there was a lot of reading, writing and studying going on for me! But LA Lounge was still there (now the Martinsborough) and I loved hanging out there. I loved Starlight Café for date nights with my then fiancé, now husband, but I think Winslow’s opened around that time too and became a fast favorite. I wish Coastal Fog had been there. I would have been there every day!

Q: What’s your favorite summer activity?

A; Just being outside on the boat or the beach. I also save big piles of books because I tend to read much more in the summer!

Q: What are your three beach bag essentials?

A: A great book, Kiss My Face Spray Sunscreen and Kind Bars—I always have snacks with me!

Q: Coffee, tea, or cocktails? What’s your summer drink of choice?

A: For summer, cocktails!

For more information, visit her website, kristywoodsonharvey.com.

9

Health

IT IS TIME TO CLEAN!

By Jackie Sugg

O

f the many lessons learned from living through

soapy water before and after preparing each food item. Don’t

the COVID-19 pandemic, improved personal

forget about keeping your refrigerator clean. Wipe up spills

hygiene may be one of the most significant.

immediately and regularly clean the shelves.

Many of us already knew that proper hand

Fresh f ruits and vegetables should be rinsed under

washing was important, but I would expect that knowledge

running water before they are eaten. The produce misters

didn’t always translate to the practice of scrubbing for

at the grocery store do not clean produce. Fruits and

a full 20 seconds, which is the recommended length of

veggies with an outer skin which will be cut or peeled, such

time. The same is also likely true for our home food-safety

as watermelon, avocados, and grapefruit, should still be

practices. We may be aware of the importance of cleaning

rinsed because bacteria can spread from the outside to the

and disinfecting countertops and other food-preparation

inside when they are cut. Fruits and vegetables with edible

surfaces, but we might not be doing it consistently. The silver

peels like apples and potatoes should be rubbed by hand or

lining is that these messages have been repeatedly shared

scrubbed with a clean produce brush under running water.

in the media for the last several months, and, hopefully, we

Dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. Soap or bleach should

are starting to take notice.

not be used to clean produce because these products are

The first step to minimizing illness-causing bacteria in

not intended for consumption.

your kitchen is to start with a clean surface. Use hot, soapy

Preventing the spread of germs is possible through proper

water to clean countertops before and after preparing food.

hand washing and food-handling practices. It is worth taking

To kill germs after cleaning your countertops, sanitize them

the extra time needed to ensure that you and your family

with a bleach solution. Use a solution with 1 tablespoon of

stay healthy.

unscented, liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water and allow to air dry. Other kitchen surfaces such as cutting boards, dishes and utensils should be cleaned with hot,

10

Jackie Sugg is a registered dietitian at the Pitt County Health Department

Her — May 2020

www.reflector.com/her

Recipes

Caribbean Bean Salad Makes 4 Servings

Ingredients 4 cups romaine lettuce (chopped) Âź cup red onion 1 cup black beans (canned, drained and rinsed) 1 orange (peeled and diced) 1 tomato (diced) 1 tablespoon olive oil 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 teaspoon oregano (dried) Black pepper (to taste)

Directions: Toss all ingredients together in large salad bowl.

Serve immediately or refrigerate up to one hour.

Nutrition Information per 1 cup serving (1/4 of recipe): Calories 118 Total Fat 4 grams Sodium 94 milligrams Total Carbohydrate 18 grams Dietary Fiber 6 grams Protein 5 gramsstarch, 2 medium-fat meat, 1 fat.

Recipe from the USDA MyPlate Kitchen website: https://www.choosemyplate.gov/ myplatekitchen www.reflector.com/her

Her — May 2020

11

“D

HOW TO PLAN THE PERFECT DISNEY VACATION

By Casey Morris

isney is only for

There is what we call a science to

5. Your vacation package is booked…

little kids.” Yes,

planning the best vacation for each

now, prepare for booking your dining

I’ve heard that

individual family. However, I do want

reservations. Those can be booked

a time or two,

to share with you seven basic steps

online at 6 a.m. (Eastern Standard

but is it true? I beg to differ because

to help you through your planning

Time) 180 days prior to your vacation.

people of all ages, f rom across the

process.

It may sound crazy, but popular restaurants can sometimes book solid

world, fall in love with Walt Disney World for different reasons. Could it

1. Decide on the best dates for YOUR

within minutes of the reservations

be the overwhelming nostalgic feeling

family to visit. There are seasonal

opening up. (Hint: Grab the ones you

you have when you walk through

events that take place that you may

want quickly!) If you do miss out on

the gates, the sweet smell of Main

want to attend, as well as weather and

one you really wanted, check back

Street Confectionery, the adrenaline

crowd levels to consider.

frequently for cancellations.

rush from your favorite thrill ride, or

2. Walt Disney World spans nearly

6. Next is deciding on Fastpass+

maybe the look on your kids' faces

40 square miles, encompassing

options (reservations that hold your

the first time they meet their favorite

four theme parks, two water parks,

place in line for a shorter wait time

character? The over whelming

Disney Springs, more than 200 dining

at attractions). At 7 a.m. 60 days prior

majority would likely admit that it is

options, and 30 uniquely themed

to check in, you can reserve those.

because when they enter the “Disney

resorts. You can’t see and do it all

Be quick. Just like with dining, those

bubble,” they leave their worries

in one trip. Figure out what is most

popular attractions will be booked

behind. It is then that families can

important for your family to see and

within minutes.

create memories that they can cherish

do because that will determine how

7. Don’t forget to customize your

for a lifetime.

long of a stay you would want. Ideally,

MagicBands, and if you are flying,

the recommendation is at least five

to reserve your round-trip airport

nights.

transfers through Disney’s Magical

Years ago, there really wasn’t any planning needed prior to arrival, but that has changed drastically. Now,

3. Now look at those 30 resort

without proper planning, the vacation

options, which also includes just over

Express.

experience is quite different. I saw a

200 room categories! They are all

Casey Morris is owner of Pirate

huge need to help other families

uniquely themed and offer different

and Pixie Dust Destinations, LLC, an

navigate the planning process so they

price points as well as amenities and

Authorized Disney Vacation Planner

can enjoy the same magic that I love

modes of transportation to the parks.

agency. The agency provides free,

so dearly.

Find what option fits your family best.

concierge-level travel planning

I have now worked in the travel

4. There are four types of park

services to any destination. Services

industry for eight years, and I opened

tickets, four dining plans and a slew

include complete itinerary planning,

my own travel agency in 2013. With

of add-on options that are available

price monitoring for discounts, and

the most amazing travel advisers

to enhance your vacation experience.

everything else to help busy families

working by my side, I have now helped

Each family can benef it f rom

enjoy a vacation without the hassles

thousands of busy families be able to

something different, so be sure to

of planning it.

enjoy a “magical vacation experience.”

check out all your options.

12

Her — May 2020

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Her — May 2020

13

BECOMING COMFORTABLE WITH YOUR OWN COMPANY

P

By Carla R. Cannon

rior to coming into the new year, many of us had our minds set on our own goals, purpose and intentions. However, 2020 had another plan for us that has now affected the entire

world. Many have experienced job losses, been affected by the virus, had loved ones to die during this time. So much has happened, and we are only in the second quarter of

can help you find a new talent.

3. Take a bubble bath - Soothes the mind, body and spirit 4. Accomplish a goal - There’s no greater feeling than setting a goal and then seeing it to completion.

5. Create a vision board - Provides motivation and empowerment. Dare to dream again.

6. Journal - Great relaxation and detoxification method.

the year.

Despite the bad that has happened, COVID-19 and sheltering in place has also allowed many of us the opportunity to slow down, spend much needed time with our family and evaluate our lives by refocusing on what’s

7. Make a smoothie - Nothing is more soothing than a delicious drink you made for yourself.

8. Declutter your home - A decluttered home can lead to a decluttered mind.

9. Take a long shower - No spouse, no kids, just you and

most important to and for us.

During my time of solitude, I took some time to reset and

the water. How awesome!

realign as it relates to my personal growth. However, none

10. Take a break from social media- Sometimes the

of this would not have happened if I was not comfortable

news can be overwhelming, and we simply need to unplug,

with my own company.

tune into our own lives and evaluate what we really want

What I mean by this is learning how to enjoy being alone,

and what it will take to make our dreams a reality.

being comfortable with your own energy, vibrations and

It is my hope that you will commit to implementing at

thoughts. You are the one person you can never get away

least one of the above self-care tips today! You take care

from; therefore, it’s important to love on yourself as much

of everyone else; now it’s time to start loving on yourself

as possible because before we can extend love to others,

as you learn to become more comfortable with your own

we must first extend it to ourselves.

company!

Even if you are surrounded by loved ones, it’s important to take some time to yourself to think, evaluate, plan or just

Carla R. Cannon- entrepreneur, national best-selling author and North Carolina native whose mission is to get

“be” while enjoying your own company.

10 ways to become comfortable with your own company:

women unlocked, unleashed and activated into purpose from the pulpit to the marketplace!

1. Read a book - My favorites are memoirs and novels.

www.CarlaCannon.com

2. Cook your favorite meal - This can be relaxing and

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Her — May 2020

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BRENDA ELKS CUMMINGS 55, Greenville, NC

Tell Us About Your Family: I’m a single mom and blessed with my son, Walker, who is 25 and in the Army. He is currently stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana. I was blessed with great parents who taught me to be independent. They are both deceased and I miss them.

Current Job: I am a travel consultant/branch manager of AAA Carolinas in Greenville. I have been in the travel industry for over 30 years and I absolutely love it. It is different every day and can be really challenging.

What is your favorite location to travel to? I love Italy!

What location is next on your travel bucket list?

In search of the Northern Lights! I want to stay in a glass igloo.

Favorite travel accessory? Backpack Favorite Quote? “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”-Maya Angelou Plane, Train or Automobile and why? Automobile.

There is nothing like exploring a new back-road with the windows down, listening to your favorite tunes.

What country has the best food? Italy (gelato and carbonara)

Signature Scent: Moonlight Path by Bath & Body

Favorite Book: I love reading romance books

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Her — May 2020

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